CAREER PURSUIT 2021

RESOURCES 80 e50K 50K is an interesting name; where does it come from? Dr Elizabeth Newman-Earl: We were developing a community engagement strategy seeking to improve the ‘lived-experience’ of the military community, which is roughly 50,000, and so the 50K part of our name was born. We found, through co-produced surveys and needs analyses, that military families need a ‘sustainable social enterprise approach’ to projects they access; and ‘Enterprise’ was added [Enterprise 50K]. When we established our four pillars (education, employment, engagement, and enterprise), we condensed to e50K. So, what is the purpose of e50K? Quincy Ankrett: The ultimate purpose is to support ‘Forces Living’ and all the effects it has upon our lives − to support integrated local communities and projects which are self-sustaining by nature. Sam Staincliffe: To bring us together! Constant moves, upheavals, and all the other “fun” that comes with being a military family − we can feel that being part of a meaningful, continuous community network of support alludes us, and reaching every spouse/partner just isn’t possible right now. We are not all of one mind or ambition, and we deserve to have opportunities to shape our own destiny. Some people may ask how you are different from those other organisations supporting the military community. Quincy Ankrett: First and foremost is recognising the work those organisations are doing is fantastic − we are not here to compete with them but to support their infrastructure. These [organisations/charities] are for specific demographics (veterans, Service personnel transitioning, policy, spousal employment) – our aims are broader, to consider the overarching needs of the community. We aim to support other organisations whilst figuring out if there are any gaps and seeing how interested locally-based parties can work together to fill those gaps. Rachael Ladd: For me, e50K is the thread that allows you to get the information you need to do the things you want − that’s what sets us apart. We are giving people the tools to actively engage in the community in a way that is right for them. So, if you are rather shy, you don’t have to go to a coffee morning; if you are unable to engage with social media due to your Service person’s area of work, there is a safe place for you to engage; or if you want to get involved in a local project, but don’t know how. We spoke to the team at e50KtodiscusstheNEWnon- profit organisation working with military families. Here iswhat they had to say. e